A leading figure in the UK's biggest rail union is recovering after being attacked with an iron bar outside his home.

Bob Crow, assistant general secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union, was struck in the face when he was confronted on his doorstep.

Mr Crow was woken by the sound of banging on his front door in the early hours of New Year's Day.

He opened the door at his north London home and found two men brandishing the bar.

Multiple injuries

When Mr Crow, 40, approached the men he was attacked, suffering a deep gash in his face, which needed stitches.

He also suffered severe bruising to his arm as he tried to protect himself from the attack, which is being investigated by police.

Mr Crow is standing in the election to succeed the late Jimmy Knapp as the union's general secretary.

He is regarded as favourite for the post, which will be decided by a ballot of members next month.